Short shorts for short woman

[Short_Lass]

I will soon start commuting to work on my bike, 5 miles each way.

I am looking for a pair of shorts which will not leave me with a visible tan line when I change into my dress. We're now almost into summer and skirts stop above the knee. To top it all, I am five foot tall, so what might be shorter on an average size woman is not short for me.

I went to a bike shop to try some shorts on. The assistant said that they would stop above my hem line -- she lied! They went right down to my knee. I also found on all but one style that the padding was excessive. So, short shorts with minimal padding is what I'm after.

Any thoughts? This is my first post!

 

[vickster]

Have a look at velovixen and minxgirl

 

[HertzvanRental]

For a relatively short ride, could you not wear padded pants with ordinary shorts over? Greater choice, surely?

 

[Katherine]

+1for padded pants underneath normal shorts.
At 5 miles each way, you might get away without padding, just wear boxers or knickers without tight seams.

 

[vickster]

I doubt you'll catch the sun that much in 5 miles either. Sunscreen?

Or bit too brief?

http://www.velovixen.com/urbanist-cycling-padded-brigitte

Or maybe a bit less risqué, designed for shorter legs, good price too

http://www.velovixen.com/primal-prima-women-s-short

 

[Mandragora]

I have these (but only wear them when cycling abroad - wouldn't want anyone I know to see me in them!!)
http://www.sportsdirect.com/nike-pro-3inch-shorts-ladies-342033?colcode=34203340
and, if you really think you need some sort of padding, one of these: http://www.offerscheck.co.uk/gel-saddle-cover/aldi/2015/kw-15/245414
I'd think 5 miles each way would be find without padding, though TBH (having done 30 miles this week with only what Mother Nature gave me by way of padding - that was the ride that made me finally think that perhaps I ought to invest!).

 

[Julia9054]

My commute is 5 miles. I have padded boxer style pants from Aldi with anything from ordinary leggings to little denim cut offs over the top depending on the weather.
I don't really need the padding for 5 miles tbh. I get changed into work clothes when I get to work and usually cycle back in some strange combination of teacher clothes and cycling clothes depending on how much I can be @rsed getting changed!

 

[Julia9054]

I doubt you'll catch the sun that much in 5 miles either. Sunscreen?

Or bit too brief?

http://www.velovixen.com/urbanist-cycling-padded-brigitte

Or maybe a bit less risqué, designed for shorter legs, good price too

http://www.velovixen.com/primal-prima-women-s-short

Good grief! The price of those stripey pants!
My Aldi ones cost £5.99

 

[vickster]

Good grief! The price of those stripey pants!
My Aldi ones cost £5.99

But are they padded?
Without the use of tena lady?

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Lucky you @Short_Lass, I still need to put the heating on
Aldi do some very short padded MB shorts, I am 5ft1, don't have the guts to wear them on my chubby legs
Worth having a look in store, they had a cycling event recently.

 

[Short_Lass]

Thanks for some good suggestions. I am also doubtful that I need padding for a five mile ride, but woman in cycle shop seemed to think I would (but then she's selling me stuff). My two trial runs in old running gear have certainly been fine without padding.
​

The only thing with wearing my running shorts is the saddle rubbing my inner thigh if there is no material there, so a little bIt of leg on the shorts probably a good idea. Or not?

And I will get a tan on a five mile ride. That's about half an hour at 11am on the way in. Possible evening sunshine on the way back. Underwear not a good idea as I will end up wearing two pairs of shorts in the summer which will be too hot.

I have never been to Aldi, but I think I know where there is one. For years I thought it was a car spare parts shop because its branding is like Halfords and it's a nameNis like a car (Audi). Turns out it's a supermarket!

Anyway ... I saw these. Similar to one of the links suggested above. Am relieved that at least there is a little bit of choice around

http://www.pearlizumi.co.uk/product/women-s-sugar-short-var11211314/JA3123GJ3

 

[MikeW-71]

This could be right?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-womens-active-padded-undershort/

And @Pat "5mph" 's legs got her up the biggest hill on Arran.... From the steep side..... Well, from both sides in fact

 

[Pat "5mph"]

And @Pat "5mph" 's legs got her up the biggest hill on Arran.... From the steep side..... Well, from both sides in fact

True, true, wonder if I could have walked it faster

 

[vickster]

These are short, 5 1/2 inches compared to 8 or 9" standard

http://www.singletrackbikes.co.uk/m5b0s369p36054/Pearl_Izumi_Womens_Sugar_Short

 

[Cuchilo]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcvjXAtzaMU